About Your Membership
Rules & Protocols
Our co-op is a member-supported organization with very minimal paid staff – one person helps out on a part-time basis. All other work associated with the co-op is provided on a volunteer basis by our members. It is therefore crucial to have a set of rules in place that will direct the operation of our co-op in the most efficient and effective manner possible.
Annual Dues
There may be minimal annual dues to cover the Emerald Coast Non-Profit Food Co-operation expenses. (From here on Emerald Coast Non-Profit Food Co-operation will be referred to as the Co-op). These expenses include, but are not limited to: cleaning products, plastic bags, paper towels, damaged bins, utilities, waste management, website hosting, etc. The amount of the dues will be determined by the board of directors. The board of directors may change this fee on a yearly basis.
Bin Pick-Up
Each member is responsible to pick-up their bin on the established Co-op food pickup day. The Co-op will be open from 10:00am – 6:00 pm on the Co-op delivery days.
If a member does not pick up their food or arrange for someone else to pick up their food during that time, there will be a $20.00 fee. Extenuating circumstances may be considered. This money will go to the reserve of the Co-op.
If a bin is not picked up the next day, the bin’s contents will be donated to a charity. A substitute list will be available for our members’ convenience. However, it is still the individual member’s responsibility to contact and confirm pick-up with the substitute and to have them drop off the bi-monthly check on the pickup day.
Payments
Each member will place their check into the drop box for the next Co-op distribution at the time of their Co-op food pickup. A $20.00 late fee will be charged if this is not done. If a substitute picks up the food it is very important for them to write your name on their check so you get credit for your bi-monthly payment obligation.
Bin Clean-up
Each member is responsible to clean their own bin. Cleaning supplies will be available.
Canceling Membership
In the event that a member would like to leave the Co-op a 30-day notice is required.
Parking
When picking up your Co-op food between 11:00 am- 2:00pm please park behind and to the side of the Co-op/Caf